The Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare along with subordinate offices participated in the “Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath " initiative, under the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign today.

As a run-up to Gandhi Jayanti, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi issued a unique call to action on the 105^th episode of “Mann Ki Baat”. He appealed to the citizens of India, to participate voluntarily, for one hour at 10 am on 1st October 2023, in a mega cleanliness drive, for the ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ initiative. Participants were also asked to share their pictures on the Swachhata Hi Seva Portal, marking their contribution to the great cause. Calling the initiative, an ideal “Swachhanjali” or tribute to Bapu, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remarked, that one ‘should take out time and help in this campaign related to cleanliness’ and volunteer in heir ‘street, or neighbourhood or at a park, river, lake, or any other public place’.

The cleanliness drive, as part of the ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ initiative, organized by DA&FW at the Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) building on today, witnessed active participation from the department's staff.

Secretary of DA&FW, Shri Manoj Ahuja flagged off the cleanliness drive at SFAC building in Siri Institutional Area, Hauz Khas. He, along with department officials, loaded paper and electronic waste bags into the trucks and emphasized the significance of community engagement in ensuring the success of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign.

Over 300 enthusiastic staff members of DA&FW gathered at the SFAC building to clean the corridors, yards, windows, elevators and other areas.

The garden area underwent a thorough cleaning ensuring the removal of debris, weeds, and any accumulated waste.  Subsequently, the department officials also planted new saplings as a symbolic gesture and commitment towards a clean, green, and sustainable community and workplace.

The subordinate offices across the country successfully engaged the staff and the general public to participate in the initiative. Numerous events were strategically scheduled at market yards, parks, schools, and roads, encouraging active citizen involvement. The DA&FW, in collaboration with various subordinate offices, proactively organized over 384 nationwide events today, with a total participation of 7,262 people.

An active social media campaign was also put to action for the 'Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ initiative on the social media handle of the DA&FW, featuring real-time updates with photo collages, videos, and reels showcasing department officials cleaning the SFAC building.

The DA&FW has undertaken numerous activities towards the success of the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign (15^th September-2 October), with the overarching goal of promoting voluntary participation, or "shramdaan”. This included the extensive cleaning of departmental facilities, vehicles, entrances, corridors, lobbies, and canteens etc, which was actively showcased on Department’s social media’s handle.

Periodic cleanliness reviews of Krishi Bhawan premises led by Shri Manoj Ahuja underscores Department’s commitment to the cause. Department officials volunteered to clean their own workstations, furthermore, the General Administration section also facilitated waste reduction measures, such as scanning physical files to reduce paper usage.

In line with the celebration of International Year of Millets 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare also emphasized the significant role of millets or Shree Anna in promoting a clean and sustainable environment and preventing soil contamination through their sustained social media campaign for SHS.

The celebration of the SHS campaign will continue with a painting competition organized for the wards of the employees, and a rally led by the staff members on the 2^nd of October. This will ensure that the message of Swachhata is spread across different generations.

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SK/SS/SM